Elephant calf electrocuted in Nilgiris

April 03, 2013 05:57 pm | Updated 05:57 pm IST - Udhagamandalam:

Sub:Elephant electrocuted Cap;The electrocuted elephant at Mavanhallah in the Nilgiris. Photo:Special Arrangement

Sub:Elephant electrocuted Cap;The electrocuted elephant at Mavanhallah in the Nilgiris. Photo:Special Arrangement

A wild elephant was electrocuted at Mavanhallah near the Sigur Range of the Nilgiris North Division. Two persons have been arrested in connection with this.

The male calf, about eight years old, had on Monday night died after it had come into contact with an electric fence put up around a farm. Preliminary investigations had revealed that the fence was erected illegally. An autopsy was conducted on the carcass by forest veterinarian Vijayaraghavan in the presence of officials and conservationists including N. Sadiq Ali, Founder Trustee, Wildlife and Nature Conservation Trust. Land owner Chandran and farmer Palanisamy were arrested.

Lamenting that such thoughtless activities of the people residing in such areas were a major source of threat to wild animals particularly elephants, Mr. Ali said that such activities have been going on for a long time. The department should initiate stringent action against the culprits, he said.

Wild elephant strays into Allurvayal

Meanwhile, a wild elephant has been keeping forest officials on their toes at Allurvayal near Gudalur, since late on Monday night. Aged about 20 years, the cow elephant is suffering from a wound on its right hind leg. Some of the villagers told The Hindu that it was experiencing difficulty in walking. Dry conditions in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and adjoining areas were forcing the animals to venture out in search of water.

S.N. Thejasvi, District Forest Officer, Gudalur, said that the elephant had strayed from the Singara range of the Nilgiris North Division and entered the Allurvayal area where there are some banana plantations. He said that the movement of the elephant was being monitored by forest staff including anti-poaching watchers.

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